Chaos and order in education

The relation between chaos and order in social systems has been a recurring theme in educational literature over the last decade. Discussions commonly propose links with developments in mathematics and physics. The authors take a critically constructive look at some of the fundamental questions that underlie the discussion. They look at the nature of the relevant developments in mathematics and physics in their possible relation to educational theory and practice. They proceed to explore the role of order, predictability and control and the place of religion in the education systems, and in academic discourse, of today's pluralist societies. South African Journal of Education Vol.24(1) 2004: 64-69